2020 Bellefont-Belcier, St-Émilion

Fascinating aromas of plums, peaches, lavender, violets, and other flowers. Hints of fresh herbs, too. So complex. Full-bodied yet so elegant and polished with a curated and focused palate. Hints of chocolate at the end. It’s so subtle and complex. Weightless on the palate. About 30% was aged in 30 hectoliter casks. 72% merlot, 18% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon.

It's a joy to see Bellefont Belcier in the hands of the team responsible for elevating Tour St-Christophe to one of the region's great buys in just a few years. It is also fun imagining them taking this gem to the next level in the same way. They might have done just that with this 2020. Leading with fine and engaging aromas that are lined with plum and bright florals, the palate shows a noteworthy sense of refinement that speaks beautifully to the masterful touch at this estate. On the palate there's a clear depth of red-to-black fruit, fine tannins, and a long impressive finish. The 2020 shows the grace and character that this property can exhibit in top vintages, but the depth here is at another level. It'll be all too easy to pull corks early and it is well worth checking in on at this stage, but this is a wine that will keep adding complexity over the next few decades with ease.